Being an Ear

I've heard that dentists have one of the highest suicide rates of all professions but I'd guess that the highest numbers of drug users are in the counseling profession. It's hard to imagine having to listen to the staggering amount of problems and conflict that people are faced with, even if you believe you can help them. I am staggered just listening to my children.

It's important to be an "ear" even if you're not a professional counselor. Moms need especially big and sensitive ears. My eldest son confided that he doesn't like to open up and let me know how he's feeling but he has to tell "somebody". I am extremely grateful for my husband for working hard and supporting us but fathers are more like icons than ears. They are someone you look up to and want approval from, but not always someone you spill your guts to. How well I remember this with my own dad! (My guess is that this is a part temperament and a part macho thing.)

It's hard to listen to someone, whether friend, child, spouse, whoever, without becoming dragged down at some point by their troubles. Their distress can be so acute that it's almost like experiencing it myself. I try hard to make myself a channel rather than a pool for all that flows from people. I want to be able to listen and provide direction or just support without feeling swept up or dumped on. I pray a lot. At times it is really the only available course of action but it is always the best first action. As I take things in I channel them to my Heavenly Father.

God is the ultimate EAR.

Hearing involves understanding. Sometimes I may not understand what a person is going through but I unless that person is willing to talk to me nothing can change. I will never understand what I cannot hear. Truthfully, I may not understand even after I hear, but I can still provide support by being a willing listener and going to God on behalf of the person.

"He who has an ear, let him hear...."